'Forbes magazine, in a ranking of 122 franchises in the NHL, National Football League, Major League Baseball, and National Basketball Association, said the Sabres are hockey's biggest success story. The team's brand value has increased 53 percent to $16 million.'

'“It’s a reflection of the marketplace that has become costlier,” Regier said. “The other part is some of our younger players are maturing and performing at a higher level, and that’s reflected in their salary.”'